Area Programme Manager, East, Central, & North

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization established to assist people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and crises. With a workforce of approximately 15,000 staff members, NRC operates in 40 countries worldwide, providing life-saving and long-term assistance to millions of individuals each year. The organization is committed to protecting the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons, ensuring that their needs are met through various programs and initiatives. NRC Afghanistan is particularly focused on addressing the complex humanitarian situation in the country, which has been exacerbated by recent political changes and ongoing crises.

Job Overview:
The Area Programme Manager for East, Central, & North Afghanistan will play a crucial role in leading program development initiatives and ensuring the effective implementation of projects within the Area Office. This position requires a versatile leader who can provide both operational and managerial leadership, as well as strategic oversight in a rapidly changing environment. The role involves coordinating multiple thematic areas, overseeing project cycle management, and ensuring compliance with donor standards and reporting requirements. The successful candidate will also be responsible for liaising with local and national authorities, representing NRC in relevant forums, and ensuring that the organization's commitments are met while extracting key learnings from project implementation. This position is vital for contributing to the protection and assistance of vulnerable populations affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide supervision and guidance to Project Coordinators in the Area Office to ensure effective program implementation.
• Support integrated programs and ensure technical quality across the Area Office.
• Manage the project cycle, including planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of projects.
• Ensure compliance with donor standards, grant management, and regular reporting requirements.
• Contribute strategic input for core competency strategies and oversee grants management and BPO allocations at the Area Level.
• Liaise and collaborate with relevant local and national authorities and stakeholders to enhance program effectiveness.
• Represent NRC in relevant forums and ensure compliance with contractual commitments.
• Implement key learnings from project implementation to improve future programming.
• Lead area emergency response mechanisms, conduct area needs assessments, and develop program implementation plans.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess senior program management experience in a humanitarian or recovery context, with a strong background in people leadership within complex programs. Expertise in recovery and durable solutions programming, as well as program development in a large and rapidly expanding country program, is essential. Familiarity with the Afghanistan context and the Afghan humanitarian community response is highly desirable, along with exposure to complex and volatile environments. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are required, with fluency in English and at least verbal proficiency in Pashto and Dari being preferred.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required, typically including a degree in a field related to humanitarian assistance, international development, or a similar discipline. Advanced degrees may be preferred, depending on the specific requirements of the role and the organization.

Experience:
Candidates should have significant experience in program management within humanitarian contexts, ideally with a focus on recovery and durable solutions. Experience working in Afghanistan or similar environments is highly advantageous, as is a proven track record of managing complex programs and leading diverse teams.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and verbal. Proficiency in Pashto and Dari is also required, at least on a verbal level, to effectively communicate with local stakeholders and beneficiaries.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, and offers a permanent contract duration. The role requires approximately 50% travel within the region. NRC operates on a Grade 9 level in its International Salary Scale, providing a competitive compensation and benefits package. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, as NRC aims to create a work culture that empowers all employees to share ideas and take responsibility.